Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Realtor

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. The realtor you choose has a direct impact on how smooth that process goes, and how much money ends up in your pocket at the end. Not all realtors work the same way, so before you sign anything, ask these questions.

1. Are you licensed with RECA, and how long have you been in real estate?

Every realtor in Alberta must be licensed with the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). You can verify anyone's license status directly on RECA's website before you meet with them. Beyond licensing, experience matters, and so does local knowledge. A realtor who knows your specific area, whether that's downtown condos, suburban townhomes, or acreages, will price and market your property more accurately than someone who works everywhere and specializes in nowhere. Ask how many transactions they've closed in your neighbourhood in the last year.

2. Do you work solo, or as part of a team?

Some realtors hand you off to an assistant or junior agent after you sign. Others handle every part of your file themselves. Neither approach is wrong, but you should know which one you're getting. If you want direct access to the person whose name is on the sign, ask if you'll be working with them personally from start to finish.

3. What's your marketing plan for my property?

If you're selling, this is one of the most important questions you can ask. A sign in the yard and an MLS listing is not a marketing plan, that's the bare minimum. A good realtor should be able to explain, specifically, how they'll get your home in front of the right buyers. Ask about professional photography, video or virtual tours, social media strategy, paid advertising, and how they'll target buyers actively looking in your price range and neighbourhood. Ask to see examples of recent listings they've marketed, not just a general description of services.

4. How do you communicate, and how often?

Buying and selling homes involves deadlines. Financing conditions, home inspections, and possession dates all move fast. Ask how your realtor prefers to communicate (phone, text, email) and how quickly you can expect a response. If you need frequent updates and they only check in weekly, that mismatch will frustrate you later.

5. What are your fees, and what do they include?

Commission structures vary. Ask exactly what percentage or flat fee you'll pay, whether it's negotiable, and what happens if the deal falls through. If you're a buyer, ask whether the buyer's agent commission is covered by the seller or if you're responsible for any portion of it. In Alberta, all fees and the length of the agreement must be spelled out clearly in your written representation agreement before RECA rules allow the realtor to act on your behalf. Read it fully before you sign.

6. Can I see your online reviews?

Past clients will tell you things a realtor won't volunteer. Check their Google reviews and look for patterns, not just star ratings. Are clients mentioning communication, follow-through, and results, or just that the agent was "nice"? A realtor with a solid volume of detailed, recent reviews has a track record you can trust.

7. How will you help me understand the contract?

Real estate contracts are full of conditions, deadlines, and legal language. A good realtor won't just hand you a document to sign, they'll walk you through what each clause means and what happens if a condition isn't met. If you're a first-time buyer or seller, ask how much time they'll spend explaining the process before you're under contract.

8. What's your strategy if the market shifts?

Markets change, sometimes during the exact weeks you're buying or selling. Ask how your realtor adjusts pricing or timing if conditions move against you. Someone with a real strategy will give you a clear answer. Someone without one will change the subject.

9. Are you currently representing other buyers or sellers in my area?

This matters more than people realize, especially if you're selling and your realtor already has buyer clients looking in your price range. RECA requires realtors to disclose any conflict of interest and explain how agency works in Alberta, including the difference between representing you versus acting as a neutral facilitator in a transaction. Make sure you understand exactly who your realtor represents before you sign anything.

10. What happens if it doesn't work out?

Ask about the length of the listing or representation agreement, and what your options are if you're not happy with the service. A realtor confident in their work won't hesitate to answer this honestly.

The bottom line

The right questions won't just help you find a competent realtor, they'll help you find one who communicates the way you need, understands your market, and has a real plan for getting you the best outcome. Take the time to ask before you commit. It's a short conversation that can save you a lot of stress down the road.

Have questions about buying or selling in the Edmonton area? I'm happy to walk you through what to expect, no pressure, no obligation.

Brenda Patton REALTOR® | Homes & Gardens Real Estate Ltd. 780-297-8437 brendarpatton.com